President Trump recently unveiled ambitions to work on a “F-22 Super,” a heavily modernized and upgraded variant of the F-22 Raptor.
The F-22 has struggled to remain relevant in modern times, often outshining the F-35. The new upgrade package could extend the F-22’s service life until the F-47 is ready to replace it.
Image: Creative Commons.
However, the announcement comes at a time when the US Air Force’s resources are stretched thin, making the “Super F-22” an unnecessary strain on the budget.
Is Trump Serious About the Super F-22?
During his diplomatic visit to Qatar, Trump announced the new “Super F-22” at a press conference. During this press conference, Trump also announced the F-55, an upgrade package for the F-35 that will add a second engine. Trump highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen America’s air power. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg also announced progress on the sixth-generation F-47 jet, stating it will enter production soon.
Despite what some may say, the concept of the “F-22 Super” did not originate with Trump. The F-22 Super is envisioned as a comprehensive modernization of the original Raptor platform from 2022. While official specifications have not been fully disclosed, defense analysts anticipate the upgrade will include advanced avionics, improved stealth features, enhanced propulsion systems, and expanded weapons capabilities.
The aircraft is also expected to incorporate artificial intelligence and limited drone teaming functionalities, drawing on some of the technologies being developed for the F-47. The goal is to extend the operational relevance of the F-22 while bridging the gap until the F-47 becomes fully operational.
In contrast, the F-47, the aircraft that’s supposed to replace the Raptor, is a clean-sheet design tailored for the future of air combat. The F-47, according to its designers, is not just a fighter jet but part of a broader ecosystem that includes autonomous drones, advanced sensors, and AI-driven command and control systems. It is designed to operate in highly contested environments, such as the Indo-Pacific, where adversaries like China are rapidly advancing their own air defense and fighter capabilities. The F-47 promises next-generation stealth, extended range, modular architecture for rapid upgrades, and full integration with unmanned systems.
The F-22 Could Use Some Upgrades
Trump tends to run his mouth in many cases, but the rationale behind the F-22 Super initiative appears to be rooted in both strategic and political considerations. From a military standpoint, the aging F-22 fleet faces increasing maintenance challenges, and the F-47 is not expected to reach full operational capability until the early 2030s. A modernized F-22 could serve as a stopgap measure to maintain air superiority during this transitional period.
Politically, the announcement was made in the presence of major defense contractors such as Boeing and GE Aerospace, suggesting that the program could also serve to stimulate domestic manufacturing and preserve aerospace jobs.
Genuine Need or Strategic Misstep?
However, there are a number of reasons why the F-22 Super may not be the wisest idea. One of the primary concerns is the cost. Restarting the F-22 production line, even for an upgraded version, would require billions of dollars in investment. The original line was shut down in 2012, and retooling it would be a complex and expensive endeavor. Critics argue that these funds would be better allocated to accelerating the F-47 program, which offers a more future-proof solution to air dominance.
Another issue is technological obsolescence. While the F-22 was revolutionary when it debuted, its airframe and systems are over two decades old. Even with significant upgrades, the Super F-22 may not be able to match the adaptability, survivability, and networked capabilities of a purpose-built sixth-generation fighter like the F-47. Some reports suggested that the announcement caught senior defense officials off guard, raising questions about whether the announcement was serious or a typical Trump misspeak.
Image: Creative Commons.
Image: Creative Commons.
Image: Creative Commons.
Image: Creative Commons.
As always, the cost is the big elephant in the room. Between the F-47, B-21, B-52J, and other high-cost projects underway, slotting in an F-22 modernization program could direct resources away from other projects that are more urgently needed.
For example, the F-47 is poised to be the latest and greatest in American engineering, integrating AI systems, advanced avionics, and next-gen stealth technology. Every dollar spent on the Super F-22 is a dollar not spent on these cutting-edge capabilities.
F-22 Raptor: Good, but Built for a Different Time
Despite these concerns, some defense experts see merit in the F-22 Super concept. Despite its age, the F-22 is still one of, if not the best fighters in the world. Upgrading it could ensure the US maintains a technological edge until the F-47 is ready.
Additionally, a visible enhancement of the F-22 fleet could deter adversaries, signaling the US’ continued technological superiority. The Super F-22 could also function as a testbed for technologies that will eventually be integrated into the F-47 and other NGAD systems.
The differences between the two aircraft are stark. The F-22 Super is essentially a fifth-generation platform with incremental improvements, while the F-47 is a sixth-generation system designed from the ground up to fight America’s future battles.
The F-47 offers superior stealth, longer range, greater payload capacity, and full integration with autonomous systems. It is built to be modular and upgradable, ensuring it remains relevant for decades. The F-22 Super, while still formidable, is ultimately constrained by the limitations of its original design.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
